Ambulatory medical device with electrical isolation from connected peripheral device

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are provided for electrically isolating an ambulatory medical device for infusing treatment materials into a patient when the medical device is connected to a peripheral device via an active communication cable. In one embodiment, the ambulatory medical device include first circuitry controlling infusion of a medicament to the patient by a fluid conduit connectable to the patient and second circuitry controlling communications when an active communication cable is connected to the medical device. The first and second circuitry are electrically isolated using a pair of first and second isolation transceivers, where the first pair of isolation transceivers communicate a control signal and the second pair of isolation transceivers are giant magneto-resistive (GMR) transceivers that communicate at least one data signal.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/101,001 filed Apr. 10, 2008, which is hereby fully incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to improvements for ambulatorymedical devices such as devices for introducing treatment material intoa body by infusion. More particularly, the invention relates to anambulatory medical device that is connected by a cable to a peripheraldevice.

BACKGROUND

As electronic devices become smaller and are used in greater contactwith human beings, the importance of electrical safety continuallyincreases. Even relatively small electrical current levels can harm thehuman body. For example, current levels as low as 60 milliamps (mA)flowing from one hand to the other in a human adult can cause a heart toexperience ventricular fibrillation.

Electrical safety is of significant concern in the area of medicaldevices. Many varieties of electronic medical devices exist that requireconductive contact with at least a portion of the human body. Examplesof such devices include: ambulatory pumps, pacemakers, electrical leadsfor delivery of defibrillation pulses or measurement ofElectroCardioGram (ECG) signals, and drug delivery devices. In somecircumstances, multiple devices are in conductive contact with the samepatient at the same time.

Electrical safety is perhaps of the greatest concern for those devicesthat are adapted to be placed in contact with intravenous fluids in thehuman body. This is because the human circulatory system primarilyconsists of water, which is highly conductive. Electrical safety is aparticular concern for devices that are adapted to supply fluid to thehuman circulator system, because the delivered fluid creates a directand highly conductive path for harmful currents to reach the human body.

It is often desirable that medical devices be communicatively coupledwith a peripheral device such that the device can communicate with theperipheral device to program the device or communicate data and otherinformation. One example of a peripheral device is a personal computer.Some medical devices include a data port that allows an electrical dataconnection to be made between the medical device and the peripheraldevice. A medical device may be may be adapted to communicate with aperipheral device using a passive connection or an active connection. Apassive connection is one in which electrical signals are transmittedfor purposes of communicating data only. In contrast, active devices arethose that allow power to be transferred from the peripheral device tothe medical device. Examples of passive connections include: RS-232,IEEE 488, Medical Information Bus, Ethernet connection, telephone styleconnectors, or any other standard or non-standard connector. Examples ofactive connections include Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, andPower over Ethernet (PoE) connections.

Typically, the danger that exists as a result of the use of electronicdevices that are in contact with a patient requires that the medicaldevice be disconnected from contact with the patient in order to connecta peripheral device. This limits a physician or other user, because theremoval of the device prevents capture of real-time data from the devicewhile it is connected to the patient. Also, the removal of the deviceitself may be very cumbersome and time consuming, and may further exposethe patient to risk (such as where a needle is removed).

One way in which a medical device can be designed to avoid the hazardsassociated with electrical medical devices is to electrically isolatethe device from the peripheral device. In this context, isolationtypically takes the form of translating an electrical signal to someother medium, such as an optical signal, to avoid the transfer ofelectrical current, and thus the hazards associated with the use of suchdevices as discussed above.

Some examples of optical isolators are described in the following U.S.Patent documents: U.S. Publication No. 2005/0001179 to Gisler et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,846 to Hayat-Dawoodi et al., U.S. Publication No.2004/0113498 to Kroenke, and U.S. Publication No. 2006/0265540 to Masset al., all of which are incorporated by reference in their entiretyherein. Optical isolators work by operating one or more light emittingelements (such as a light emitting diode) to transmit light in responseto the contents of an electrical signal on one side of the medicaldevice/peripheral device interface. On the other side of the medicaldevice/peripheral device interface, at least some of the transmittedlight is collected by a light sensitive electrical device such as aphotodiode. The received light is then translated into an electricalcurrent by the light sensitive electrical device. Thus, the originalelectrical signal is communicated across the medical device/peripheraldevice interface without conduction of an electrical current. Opticalisolators are advantageous in that they provide low-cost and reliableisolation of an electrical signal. However, optical isolators arelimited in that they are only capable of effectively isolating anelectrical signal transmitted at relatively slower data rates.Therefore, a need exists to provide improved devices and methodsproviding for a more reliable, higher-speed electrical isolation ofsignals for use in ambulatory medical devices which utilize activeperipheral interface connections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus forelectrically isolating an ambulatory medical device for infusingtreatment materials into a patient when the medical device is connectedto a peripheral device via an active communication cable. In oneembodiment, the ambulatory medical device includes first circuitrycontrolling infusion of a medicament to the patient by a fluid conduitconnectable to the patient and second circuitry controllingcommunications when an active communication cable is connected to themedical device. The first and second circuitry are electrically isolatedusing a pair of first and second isolation transceivers, where the firstpair of isolation transceivers communicate a control signal and thesecond pair of isolation transceivers are giant magneto-resistive (GMR)transceivers that communicate at least one data signal.

In various embodiments, the ambulatory medical device includes a housingsized and configured to be ambulatory for a patient. The housing may beconstructed to present a communication connector configured to interfacewith an active communication cable. In various embodiments, theambulatory medical device includes a fluid conduit configured to beconnected to a patient and extend between the housing and the patient.The ambulatory medical device includes a battery carried by the housingthat provides electrical power for the device and has a battery ground.In some embodiments, the housing further includes a pump in fluidcommunication with the fluid conduit. In other embodiments, the housingincludes or is adapted to carry as a modular connectable component areservoir of fluid medicament that is in fluid communication with thepump and/or fluid conduit.

In an embodiment, the ambulatory medical device includes a firstcircuitry housed within the housing and electrically connected to aground of the battery. In an embodiment, the first circuitry includes afirst isolator transceiver adapted to communicate at least one controlsignal and a first giant magneto-resistive (GMR) isolator transceiveradapted to communicate at least one electrical data signal, as well ascontrol circuitry having a communication port connected to the firstisolator transceiver and the first GMR isolator transceiver. In variousembodiments, the communication port is adapted to communicate the atleast one control signal and the at least one data signal to and fromthe control circuitry. In some embodiments, the control circuitry isconfigured to control operation of a pump housed within the housing ofthe ambulatory medical device.

In an embodiment, the ambulatory medical device includes secondcircuitry housed within the housing. In an embodiment, the secondcircuitry is electrically connected to a cable ground signal on theactive communication cable via the communication connector. In anembodiment, the second circuitry includes a second isolator transceiveroperably coupled to the first isolator transceiver and adapted tocommunicate at least one control signal, a second GMR isolatortransceiver magnetically coupled to the first GMR isolator transceiverand adapted to communicate at least one data signal, and communicationcircuitry electrically coupled to a communication connector and to thesecond isolator transceiver and the second GMR isolator transceiver. Inone embodiment, the communication circuitry is adapted to communicate atleast one data signal to and from an active communication cable.

The use of electrical isolation in accordance with the variousembodiments of the present invention can permit higher communicationspeeds between an ambulatory medical device and a peripheral device. Insome embodiments, the use of GMR isolator arrangements permits thetransfer of serial communications at data speeds greater than 12 Mb/sec,speeds which are sufficiently fast enough to keep up with current activecommunication cable standards, such as USB 2.0.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the inventionin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates generally one example of a known medical deviceadapted to be communicatively coupled with a peripheral device.

FIG. 2 illustrates generally one embodiment of an isolated medicaldevice according to the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally one embodiment of isolation according tothe subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates generally a flow chart of one embodiment of a methodof isolating an electrical signal according to the subject matterdisclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally one example of a medical device accordingto the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates generally a circuit diagram of one embodiment ofelectrically isolated infusion pump circuitry according to the subjectmatter disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates generally one embodiment of optical isolationaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates generally one embodiment of reed switch isolationaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates generally one embodiment of capacitive couplingisolation according to the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates generally one embodiment of an isolated medicaldevice adapted to receive a power signal according to the subject matterdisclosed herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates generally one embodiment of power supply isolationaccording to the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 a and FIG. 12 b illustrates generally a flow chart diagram ofembodiments of operating an isolated medical device according to thesubject matter disclosed herein.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates generally one example of an electrical medical device104 in contact with a patient 109 and adapted to be electricallyconnected to a peripheral device 102. In such an embodiment, medicaldevice 104 may be connectable to a peripheral device via an activecommunication cable 103. According to this example, medical device 104may include housing 115. Housing 115 may be sized and configured to beambulatory for patient 109. Medical device 104 may include communicationcircuitry 105, processor 106, and one or more medical treatmentfunctions 107. Medical treatment functions 107 may include, for example,one or more sensors or one or more therapy delivery devices. The one ormore therapy delivery devices may be adapted to deliver electricaltherapy or drug therapy to patient 109. Medical device 104 also includesbattery 112. Battery 112 provides electrical power to medical device 104and has a battery ground.

In various examples, peripheral device 102 is any device capable ofcommunicating with medical device 102. In one example, peripheral device102 is a computer.

Medical device 104 may be connected to patient 109 through connector108. In various examples, medical device 104 is adapted to measure,store, and/or communicate device specific or patient specificinformation to peripheral device 102. In various examples, medicaldevice 102 is adapted to receive and/or transmit data and/or commandsfrom peripheral device 102. In various examples, medical device 104 iselectrically connected to peripheral device 102 through communicationcable 103 such that peripheral device 102 can communicate with medicaldevice 104.

Medical device 104 may include one or more communication connectors 111.Communication connector(s) 111 may be configured to interface withcommunication cable 103 such that medical device 104 may becommunicatively coupled to peripheral device 102. Communicationcircuitry 105 may be adapted to communicate with peripheral device 102using communication cables 103 and communication connectors 111 such as:RS-232, IEEE 488, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Firewire, MedicalInformation Bus, Ethernet connection, telephone style connectors, or anyother standard or non-standard connector. In some examples,communication connector 111 and communication cable 103 support activecommunication, meaning they are adapted to supply power to medicaldevice 104 through communication cable 103 in addition to providingelectrical communication between peripheral device 102 and medicaldevice 104. Examples of active communication cables include USB,Firewire, and powered Ethernet.

Medical device 104 is powered by internal battery 112, and is designedto eliminate any risk of hazardous electrical current from beingtransferred to patient 109 when medical device 104 is connected topatient 109. However, when medical device 104 is also connected toperipheral device 102 through connector 103, the potential for hazardouselectrical current to reach patient 109 exists.

While the example illustrated in FIG. 1 provides a physician or otheruser the ability to communicate with medical device 104 throughelectrical connector 103, electrical hazard concerns require thatmedical device 104 be disconnected from patient 109 in order to connectmedical device 104 to peripheral device 102 and communicate withperipheral device 102. This is limiting because a physician or otheruser is unable to acquire real-time measurements of a patient'sconditions or conditions of medical device 104 while medical device 104is in contact with patient 109. This may be further limiting becausemedical device 104 must be disconnected and reconnected to patient 109.This may cause injury to patient 109 or may be time consuming orcumbersome. In addition, an already successful procedure may need to bere-performed.

Electrical hazard concerns are significantly important when medicaldevice 104 is placed in fluid contact with patient's 109 circulatorysystem. This is because a fluid conduit is configured to extend betweenmedical device 104 and patient 109.

It will also be recognized that the communication transfer speeds whenusing communication cable 103 may not be able to sustain high datatransfer rates in accordance with current data transfer standards formany of the communications protocols. For example, if medical device 104is provided with conventional optical isolation circuitry connected to aUSB 2.0 active communication cable, data transfer cannot be sustained atthe data transfer rates of up to 12 Mb/second which the USB 2.0 activecommunication cable would otherwise support.

FIG. 2 illustrates generally one embodiment of a medical device 204 andperipheral device 202 according to the subject matter disclosed herein.The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is similar to the example of FIG.1, except medical device 204 further includes isolation circuitry 210.In various embodiments, isolation circuitry 210 is adapted to transmitsignals between medical device 204 and peripheral device 202 withouttransferring any electrical current to medical device 204 that could bepotentially harmful to patient 209.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is advantageous, because due toisolation circuitry 210, medical device 204 may be electricallyconnected to peripheral device 202 and remain connected to patient 209without a risk of harmful electrical currents. Therefore, an electricalconnection between medical device 204 and patient 209 does not need tobe broken by removing connector 208 from contact with patient 209 toeliminate any electrical hazard concerns. According to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2, medical device 104 may communicate withperipheral device 202 without re-performing procedures to connectmedical device 204 to patient 209. In addition, peripheral device 202may communicate with medical device 204 while medical device 204 isconnected to patient 209.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally one embodiment of isolation circuitry 301according to the subject matter disclosed herein. According to thisembodiment, medical device 303 is adapted to communicate with peripheraldevice 302 using an active communication cable as discussed with respectto FIG. 1 above.

In various embodiments, information is communicated between medicaldevice 303 and peripheral device 302 over communication lines 309. Invarious embodiments, medical device includes first isolation circuitry313 and second isolation circuitry 312. In one embodiment, firstisolation circuitry 313 includes isolation transceivers 304 and 305. Inone embodiment, first isolation circuitry 313 further includes controlcircuitry having a communication port connected to isolationtransceivers 304 and 305.

In one embodiment, second isolation circuitry 312 includes isolationtransceivers 310 and 311. In one embodiment, second isolation circuitry312 includes control circuitry electrically coupled to isolationtransceivers 310 and 311.

In various embodiments, signals transferred between medical device 303and peripheral device 302 are electrically isolated by isolationtransceivers 304, 310 and 305, 311.

In one embodiment, communication lines 309 are split into data lines 307and status lines 308. Data lines 307 may communicate data betweenmedical device 303 and peripheral device 302. Status lines 308 maycommunicate a control signal such as information regarding a status ofdata transmission or information regarding a status of medical device303 or peripheral device 302 related to data transmissions. In variousembodiments, data lines 307 communicate larger amounts of data, or morebits of information, than status lines 308.

In various embodiments, isolation components 304, 305, 310, and 311 areadapted to create a non-electrical signal indicative of an electricalsignal on communication lines 309 at a first side of interface 306, andcreate an electrical signal indicative of the non-electrical signal at asecond side of interface 306. Thus, data may be transferred betweenperipheral device 302 and medical device 303 without any potentiallyhazardous electrical currents traversing interface 306.

In one embodiment, data lines 307 are electrically isolated by GiantMagneto-Resistive Isolator (GMR isolator) transceivers 310 and 304. GMRisolator transceivers 310 and 304 achieve electrical isolation bychanging an electrical resistance at one side of interface 306 inresponse to a changing magnetic field indicative of an electrical signalat the other side of interface 306.

In one embodiment, GMR isolator transceiver 310 is adapted to receive anelectrical signal from peripheral device 302, and initiate or adjust amagnetic field in response to the electrical signal. According to thisembodiment, GMR isolator transceiver 304 is adapted to detect themagnetic field, and create an electrical signal based at least in parton the detected magnetic field. In one embodiment, GMR isolatortransceiver 304 is adapted to receive an electrical signal from medicaldevice 303, and initiate or adjust a magnetic field in response to theelectrical signal. According to this embodiment, GMR isolatortransceiver 310 is adapted to detect the magnetic field, and create anelectrical signal based at least in part on the detected magnetic field.

The present invention has recognized that a GMR isolator can beadvantageous because the GMR isolator can isolate an electrical signaltransferred at relatively fast data rates, particularly rates up to andin excess of 12 Mb/sec. However, a GMR isolator is also disadvantageousbecause in order to accurately transmit isolated data an initial stateof the GMR isolator must be known such that the GMR isolator can bereset to or maintained in a known state when a communication isexpected. The present invention recognizes and addresses theselimitations in the various embodiments as described herein.

In one embodiment, status lines 307 are electrically isolated byisolator transceivers 311 and 305. In one embodiment, isolatortransceiver 311 is adapted to receive an electrical control signal, andcommunicate that control signal in an electrically isolated manner.According to this embodiment, isolator transceiver 305 is adapted tosense the communicated signal, and create an electrical control signalat the medical device 303 side of interface 306. In one embodiment,isolator transceiver 305 is adapted to receive an electrical controlsignal, and communicate that control signal in an electrically isolatedmanner. According to this embodiment, isolator transceiver 311 isadapted to sense the communicated signal, and create an electricalcontrol signal at the peripheral device 302 side of interface 306.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, GMR isolator transceivers 310and 304 are used to provide electrical isolation for signals transferredover data lines 307, and control signal isolator transceivers 311 and305 are used to provide electrical isolation for signals transferredover status lines 308. According to this embodiment, larger amounts ofdata and faster data rates are required for data line 307communications. In contrast, smaller amounts of signal transitions andslower transition rates may be required of status line 308communications.

In various embodiments, first isolation circuitry 313 is housed withinhousing 215 and is electrically connected to a ground of battery 212. Inan embodiment, first isolation circuitry includes first isolatortransceiver 305. First isolator transceiver 305 may be adapted tocommunicate at least one control signal. In an embodiment, firstisolation circuitry 313 includes first GMR transceiver 304. First GMRtransceiver 304 may be adapted to communicate at least one electricaldata signal. In various embodiments, first isolation circuitry 313further includes a control circuit having a communication port connectedto the first isolator transceiver 305 and the first GMR transceiver 304to communicate the at least one control signal and the at least one datasignal to and from the control circuitry.

In various embodiments, second isolation circuitry 312 includes secondisolator transceiver 311. In an embodiment, second isolator transceiver311 is coupled to first isolator transceiver 311 and is adapted tocommunicate at least one control signal. In various embodiments, secondisolation circuitry 312 includes second GMR transceiver 310. In anembodiment, second GMR transceiver 310 is magnetically coupled to firstGMR transceiver 304. Second GMR transceiver 310 may be adapted tocommunicate at least one data signal. In various embodiments, secondisolation circuitry 312 includes communication circuitry electricallycoupled to communication connector 211, second GMR transceiver 310, andsecond isolator transceiver 311. In an embodiment, the communicationcircuitry is adapted to communicate at least one at least one datasignal to and from active communication cable 203.

According to various embodiments, control isolator transceivers 311 and305 provide control signal(s) indicative of a transmission state of datawith respect to data lines 307. GMR isolator transceivers 310 and 304may be reset in response to the control signals. In one embodiment, thecontrol signal(s) are a single bit transmitted through isolatortransceivers 311 and 305. In one embodiment, the control signal(s) aremultiple bits transmitted through isolator transceivers 311 and 305. Invarious embodiments, wherein the active power cable is a USB cable, thecontrol signals indicate that the USB cable is connected and that GMRtransceivers should prepared to communicate data.

The use of both GMR isolator transceivers 310 and 304 and opticalisolator transceivers 311 and 305 as discussed with respect to FIG. 3 isadvantageous, because due to the control signal provided by isolatortransceivers 311 and 305 over status lines 308, GMR isolator 304 may bereset. Therefore, electrical isolator 301 is able to transmitelectrically isolated data at faster data rates without the inaccuracytypically associated with GMR isolators.

FIG. 4 illustrates generally a flow chart diagram of one embodiment of amethod of signal isolation according to the subject matter describedherein. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, electricalisolation circuitry 301 is adapted to electrically isolate at least onesignal transferred between peripheral device 302 and medical device 303.In one embodiment, the signal may be communicated from peripheral device302 to medical device 303 across interface 306. In another embodiment,the signal may be communicated from medical device 303 to peripheraldevice 302 across interface 306.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, at 401, an indicationof transmission status is received. In one embodiment, the indication oftransmission status is received through isolator transceivers 311 and305. At 402, GMR isolator transceiver 310 or 304 is prepared to receivedata. In one embodiment, preparing the GMR isolator transceiver 310 or304 to receive data includes modifying a state of GMR isolatortransceiver 310 or 304. In another embodiment, preparing the GMRisolator transceiver 310 or 304 to receive data includes maintaining astate of GMR isolator transceiver 310 or 304. At 403, at least one databit is communicated across GMR isolator transceivers 310 and 304.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally an infusion pump device 501 as theambulatory medical device according to the subject matter disclosedherein. Infusion pump device 501 is adapted to be connected to a patientcirculatory system. Infusion pump device 501 is further adapted todeliver drug therapy to a patient. Drug delivery may occur on acontinuous or discreet basis. In other embodiments, the ambulatorymedical device may provide dialysis, gene therapy, diabetes treatmentsor any number of other similar medical treatments where continuousand/or periodic supply of a liquid between the patient and a medicaldevice is part of the medical therapy. In general, it will be understoodthat the ambulatory nature of the medical device 501 in accordance withthe present invention relates to the ability to have the device carriedby or mobile with the patient, for example, on a rolling stand, wherethe medical device is powered, at least in part, by some form of batteryor stored energy power supply that is either housed within or carriedalong with the housing of the medical device. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, it will be understood that the infusion pump device is providedwith a supply of a liquid-medicament, either in the form of a cassettethat is loaded and/or locked within the housing of the infusion pumpdevice, or in the form of a container or bag carried external to theinfusion pump device, or even as a separate liquid bag hung, forexample, on a rolling medical hanger and connected by inlet tubes to theinfusion pump device.

FIG. 6 illustrates generally a circuit diagram of one embodiment ofelectrically isolated infusion pump circuitry according to the subjectmatter disclosed herein. According to this embodiment, USB transceiver601 is adapted to receive and transmit communications. However, USBtransceiver must be electrically isolated due to safety concerns. Inorder to achieve electrical isolation, data signals to or from USBtransceiver pass through GMR isolator transceivers 602. As previouslydiscussed with respect to FIG. 3, GMR isolator transceivers are adaptedto transmit a signal without any electrical current transfer. Theelectrical circuit illustrated in FIG. 6 further includes opticalisolator transceivers 603. In various embodiments, optical isolatortransceivers 503 are adapted to transmit signals indicative of atransmission state of USB transceiver 601 and/or the transmittingportion of GMR transceivers 602. In various embodiments, the receivingportions of GMR transceivers 602 are adapted to be reset in response tothe optical signals indicative of a transmission state.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating generally one embodiment of anisolator including optical isolators according to the subject matterdisclosed herein. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 is similar to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, except control isolation transceivers311 and 305 are optical isolation transceivers.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, status lines 707 areelectrically isolated by optical isolator transceivers 711 and 705.Optical isolators are advantageous in that they provide accurateelectrical signal isolation.

In one embodiment, optical isolator transceiver 711 is adapted toreceive an electrical control signal, and initiate or adjust an opticalsignal in response to the control signal. According to this embodiment,optical isolator transceiver 705 is adapted to detect the opticalsignal, and create an electrical control signal at the medical device703 side of interface 706. In one embodiment, optical isolatortransceiver 705 is adapted to receive an electrical control signal, andinitiate or adjust an optical signal in response to the electricalcontrol signal. According to this embodiment, optical isolatortransceiver 711 is adapted to detect the optical signal, and create anelectrical control signal at the peripheral device 702 side of interface706.

In some embodiments, the control signal received by optical isolatortransceivers 711 or 705 is converted to at least one electrical signal.In various embodiments, a controller such as a microprocessor is adaptedto receive the electrical signal and modify or maintain a state of GMRisolator transceivers 710 or 704 in response to the received electricalsignal. In some embodiments, the transmission state signal received byoptical isolator transceivers 711 or 705 is not converted to anelectrical signal. According to these embodiments, the at least oneoptical controller is adapted to receive the optical control signal andmodify or maintain a state of GMR isolator transceivers 710 or 704 inresponse to the received optical signal.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating generally one embodiment of anisolator that includes a magnetic reed switch according to the subjectmatter disclosed herein. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 is similarto the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, except control isolationtransceivers 811 and 805 are reed switch isolation transceivers. A reedswitch is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field. Invarious embodiments, a reed switch contains two magnetizable andelectrically conductive metal reeds which have end portions separated bya small gap when the switch is open. In one embodiment, an appliedmagnetic field causes the conductive metal reeds to pull together, thuscompleting an electrical circuit and allowing a current to flow. Inanother embodiment, an applied magnetic field causes the conductivemetal reeds to pull apart, thus causing current to stop flowing.

In one embodiment, reed switch isolator transceiver 811 is adapted toreceive an electrical control signal, and initiate or adjust a magneticfield in response to the control signal. According to this embodiment,reed switch isolator transceiver 805 is adapted to detect the magneticfield, and create an electrical control signal at the medical device 803side of interface 806. In one embodiment, reed switch isolatortransceiver 805 is adapted to receive an electrical control signal, andinitiate or adjust a magnetic field in response to the electricalcontrol signal. According to this embodiment, reed switch isolatortransceiver 811 is adapted to detect the magnetic field signal, andcreate an electrical control signal at the peripheral device 802 side ofinterface 806.

In some embodiments, the control signal received by reed switch isolatortransceiver 811 or 805 is converted to at least one electrical signal.In various embodiments, a controller such as a microprocessor is adaptedto receive the electrical signal and modify or maintain a state of GMRisolator transceivers 810 or 804 in response to the received electricalsignal.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating generally one embodiment of anisolator that includes a capacitive coupling isolator according to thesubject matter disclosed herein. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 issimilar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, except controlisolation transceivers 911 and 905 are capacitive coupling isolationtransceivers. Capacitive coupling is the transfer of energy in anelectrical circuit by means of a capacitance between circuit nodes. Invarious embodiments, capacitive coupling has the effect of connectingtwo electrical circuits such that low frequency, or DC, components of asignal are removed from the signal. Thus, the voltage amplitude of asignal is greatly reduced while maintaining the higher frequencycomponents of the signal.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, capacitors 911 and905 are used to isolate control signals transferred over status lines908. According to this embodiment, an electrical signal at capacitor 911results in a related electrical signal at capacitor 905. In variousembodiments, the amplitude of the related electrical signal at capacitor905 is greatly reduced compared to the electrical signal at capacitor911. Thus, according to this embodiment, the electrical control signalmay be transferred across interface 906 while greatly reducing thepotential for electrical currents that may be harmful to a patient 209.

In various embodiments, a controller such as a microprocessor is adaptedto receive the electrical control signal and modify or maintain a stateof GMR isolator transceivers 910 or 904 in response to the receivedelectrical signal.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating generally one embodiment of amedical device that is adapted to be powered by an active communicationcable according to the subject matter disclosed herein. The embodimentillustrated in FIG. 10 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.2, except medical device 1004 is adapted to be powered by activecommunication cable 1003.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 10, communication connector 1011 isadapted to provide a power connection to communication cable 1003. Inone embodiment, the power connection includes a positive terminal and aground terminal. In various embodiments, communication connector 1011includes a positive terminal and a ground terminal. In variousembodiments, communication connector 1011 and communication cable 1003are sized, shaped, and or positioned such that when communicationconnector 1011 is connected to communication cable 1003 the respectivepositive and negative terminals are electrically coupled.

In various embodiments, medical device 1004 includes a DC to DCtransformer 1010.

DC to DC transformer 1010 is a device adapted to transfer electricalenergy from a first electrical circuit to a second electrical circuitthrough inductively coupled electrical conductors. In variousembodiments, a changing current at the first electrical circuit createsa changing magnetic field. In various embodiments, the magnetic fieldinduces a changing voltage in the second electrical circuit. If a loadis added to the second electrical circuit a current is allowed to flow.Thus, electrical energy is transferred from the first electrical circuitto the second electrical circuit.

According to various embodiments, DC to DC transformer 1010 is adaptedto transfer a power signal originating at peripheral device 1002 tomedical device 1004 through communicative cable 1003. In variousembodiments, DC to DC transformer 1010 is adapted to electricallyisolate the power signal by providing a second ground terminal 1020isolated from the ground terminal of communication connector 1011. Thus,harmful electrical currents are preventing from traversing medicaldevice 1004 and reaching patient 1009.

In various embodiments, power supplied by DC to DC transformer 1010 isused to power components of medical device 1004 such as communicationcircuitry 1005, processor 1006, and one or more medical treatmentfunctions 1007. In various embodiments, DC to DC transformer 1010 isused to charge battery 1012. In various embodiments, DC to DCtransformer 1010 is adapted to modify a voltage level of power suppliedto components of medical device 1004.

While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 does not include a controlisolation transceiver such as illustrated in FIG. 3, it is to beunderstood that embodiments that include the supply of active powerthrough DC to DC transformer 1010 and a separate control isolationtransceiver are within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating generally one embodiment of amedical device wherein power delivered by an active communication cableis used to transmit a control signal according to the subject matterdisclosed herein. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 is similar tothe embodiment of FIG. 3, except it includes DC to DC transformer 1111and 1105. According to this embodiment, DC to DC transformer 1111 and1105 is used to supply power to components of medical device 1004. Invarious embodiments, DC to DC transformer 1111 and 1105 is furtheradapted to communicate at least one control signal across interface1106. According to these embodiments, in order to properly operate GMRisolator transceivers 1110 and 1104 a transmission state must be knownto set GMR isolator transceiver 1110 or 1104 to a known state. Accordingto these embodiments, in order to set detecting portions of GMR isolatortransceivers 1110 and 1104, it must be known whether communication cable1003 is connected to communication connector 1011. According to theseembodiments, DC to DC transformer 1111 and 1105 are electrically coupledto at least one control circuit. In various embodiments, the controlcircuit is adapted to detect whether power is being transferred acrossDC to DC transformer 1111 and 1105. Thus, the control circuit is able todetermine whether communication cable 1003 is connected to communicationconnector 1011, and whether to set detecting portions of GMR isolatortransceiver 1110 or 1104 to receive data transmissions.

FIG. 12 a and FIG. 12 b illustrates generally a flow chart diagram ofembodiments of operating an isolated medical device according to thesubject matter disclosed herein. The embodiments illustrated in FIG. 12a and FIG. 12 b and the associated discussion are directed to thecircuit illustrated in FIG. 6 for exemplary purposes only. Someexemplary embodiments discussed herein are directed towards integratedcircuit component Advanced Universal Serial Bus Transceiver part numberISP1104 available from Phillips Semiconductors. It is to be understoodthat these embodiments are presented for exemplary purposes only andalternate embodiments fall within the scope of the subject matterdisclosed herein.

FIG. 12 a illustrates generally one embodiment of operating the subjectmatter disclosed herein when communication cable 203 is not connected tomedical device 204. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12a, at 1201 an indication that USB is not attached is received. In oneembodiment, receiving an indication that USB is not attached includesdetecting that USBD_VDET signal has transitioned from a high state to alow state. In another embodiment, receiving an indication that USB isnot attached includes detecting that USBD_VDET signal is in a low state.At 1202, USB interrupts, the USB module, and USB clock of USBtransceiver 601 are disabled. At 1203, the USB transceiver 601 analogfront-end is disabled. In one embodiment, disabling the USB transceiver601 analog front-end includes setting USBD_AFE signal 605 to a lowstate. In one embodiment, at 1204, power to USB transceiver 601 isdisabled. In one embodiment, disabling power to the USB transceiver 601includes setting USB_DISABLE signal 606 to a high state. At 1205, a waitfor shutdown function is performed. In one embodiment, waiting forshutdown includes waiting at least 32 k ticks for shutdown. At 1206, thechange in communication status event is posted.

FIG. 12 a illustrates generally one embodiment of operating the subjectmatter disclosed herein when communication cable 203 is connected tomedical device 204. At 1211, an indication that communication cable 203has been attached to medical device 204 is received. In one embodiment,receiving an indication that USB is attached includes detecting thatUSBD_VDET signal 604 has transitioned from a low state to a high state.In another embodiment, receiving an indication that USB is attachedincludes detecting that USBD_VDET signal 604 is in a high state. In oneembodiment, at 1212, USB interrupts, the USB module of a processor, andUSB clock of USB transceiver 601 are enabled.

At 1213, GMR isolators are set to a known state. In various embodiments,setting the GMR isolators to a known state includes: 1) at 1214, settingGMR isolators; 2) at 1215, inverting the GMR isolators; 3) at 1216setting the GMR isolators.

At 1214, setting the GMR isolators includes disabling the isolated USBtransceiver 601 analog front end. At 1214, enabling the isolated USBtransceiver 601 analog front end includes setting USBD_AFE 605 to a lowstate. At 1214, setting the GMR isolators 602 includes disabling the USBtransceiver 601 output. In one embodiment, disabling the USB transceiver601 output includes setting USB_OE 607 to a high state.

In one embodiment, at 1215, inverting the GMR isolators 602 includesenabling the USB transceiver 601 analog front-end. In one embodiment, at1215, enabling the USB transceiver 601 analog front-end includes settingUSBD_AFE 605 to a high state. In one embodiment, at 1215, setting theGMR isolators 602 includes enabling the USB transceiver 601 output. Inone embodiment, disabling the USB transceiver 601 output includessetting USB_OE 607 to a low state.

In one embodiment, at 1216, setting the GMR isolators 602 includesdisabling the USB transceiver 601 analog front-end. In one embodiment,at 1216, enabling the USB transceiver 601 analog front-end includessetting USBD_AFE 605 to a low state. In one embodiment, at 1216, settingthe GMR isolators 602 includes disabling the USB transceiver 601 output.In one embodiment, disabling the USB transceiver 601 output includessetting USB_OE 607 to a high state.

At 1217, control is returned to a peripheral device attached to medicaldevice 204 through communication cable 203. In one embodiment, returningcontrol to the peripheral device includes returning control of USBD_AFE605 and USB_OE 607 signals. At 1218, the USB transceiver 601 is enabled.In one embodiment, enabling the USB transceiver 601 includes settingUSB_DISABLE 606 to a low state.

Finally, while the present invention has been described with referenceto certain embodiments, those skilled in the art should appreciate thatthey can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodimentsas a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying outthe same purposes of the present invention without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of electrically isolating a communication of an ambulatorymedical device that is connectable to a peripheral device via an activecommunication cable, comprising: providing an ambulatory medical devicehaving a housing containing a communication connector configured tointerface with an active communication cable; a battery; a firstcircuitry comprising a first isolator transceiver, a first GMR isolatortransceiver, and a control circuitry; and a second circuitry comprisinga second isolator transceiver, a second GMR isolator transceiver, and acommunication circuitry, the ambulatory medical device further having afluid conduit configured to extend between the housing and the patient,and providing instructions to couple the active communication cable tothe communication connector of the medical device and initiate a datatransfer between the medical device and the peripheral device such thatthe first circuitry and the patient are isolated from the secondcircuitry and the peripheral device while the active communication cableis connected and the data transfer can occur at a data transfer rate ofat least 12 Mb/second.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond isolator transceivers are optoisolators.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the first and second isolator transceivers are reed switches.4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second isolatortransceiver comprises a DC-to-DC transformer.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the first and second isolator transceiver are capacitivelycoupled isolators.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the activecommunication cable is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 cable andwherein: the first isolator transceiver and the second isolatortransceiver comprise: a first transmitter coupled to a second receiverto communicate a USB active control signal from the first circuitry tothe second circuitry; and a first receiver coupled to a secondtransmitter to communicate a USB active control signal from the secondcircuitry to the first circuitry; and wherein the first GMR isolatortransceiver and the second GMR isolator transceivers comprise: fivefirst GMR transmitters correspondingly coupled to five second GMRreceivers to communicate five USB data signals from the first circuitryto the second circuitry; and three first GMR receivers correspondinglycoupled to three second GMR transmitters to communicate three USB datasignals from the second circuitry to the first circuitry.
 7. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the battery of the ambulatory medical device is arechargeable battery and wherein the medical device further includescircuitry adapted to permit the rechargeable battery to be recharged viathe active communication cable.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein theactive communication cable is selected from the group consisting of:Universal Serial Bus communication, Firewire communication, or PoweredEthernet communication.
 9. An ambulatory medical device connectable to aperipheral device via an active communication cable, the ambulatorymedical device comprising: a housing sized and configured to beambulatory for a patient and presenting a communication connectorconfigured to interface with the active communication cable; a fluidconduit configured to extend between the housing and the patient; abattery carried by the housing that provides electrical power for thedevice and has a battery ground; first circuitry housed within thehousing and electrically connected to the battery ground; secondcircuitry housed within the housing and electrically connected to acable ground signal on the active communication cable via thecommunication connector; means for isolating at least one control signalsuch that the first circuitry and the patient are isolated from thesecond circuitry and the peripheral device; means for isolating at leastone electrical data signal such that the first circuitry and the patientare isolated from the second circuitry and the peripheral device; andwherein operation of the means for isolating the at least one datasignal is based at least in part on the at least one control signal.